Sarah Landen

Head of PMO, Bristol Airport

Sarah Landen is a project management professional with extensive experience in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects that prioritize sustainability and societal impact. As Head of PMO at Bristol Airport, Sarah has been instrumental in advancing the airport’s decarbonisation agenda through initiatives like the energy centre project and the public transport interchange.

Sarah holds APM MAPM accreditation and has successfully completed the APM Project Professional Qualification (APM PPQ), demonstrating her expertise in managing complex programmes and projects, and aligning them with organisational goals. Her work exemplifies how project management can drive meaningful outcomes for stakeholders, passengers, and communities.

Session | Sustainable impact: Energy and transport transformation at Bristol Airport

Bristol Airport’s dual focus on sustainable transport and energy transformation is setting a benchmark for infrastructure projects that balance operational efficiency with societal impact. This presentation will delve into two flagship initiatives:

The Public Transport Interchange:
Completed recently, this project has had an impact on public transport usage among passengers, contributing to reduced emissions and aligning with the airport’s net-zero goals. The interchange was designed with accessibility and convenience in mind, offering an enhanced passenger experience while supporting regional connectivity.

The Energy Centre:
At the heart of Bristol Airport’s decarbonisation strategy, the energy centre is replacing gas-fired heating systems with air source heat pumps and electric boilers. The facility is currently being manufactured offsite and is scheduled to be operational by late 2026. The project will enable the airport to achieve a 73% reduction in carbon emissions by 2027 (compared to a 2019 baseline). It also supports the ongoing Terminal Transformation project by providing sufficient heating and cooling capacity for the expanded terminal.

Through these case studies, attendees will learn how Bristol Airport embedded sustainability and social responsibility into every stage of project delivery. The session will explore strategies for managing change effectively, tracking benefits across the lifecycle, and overcoming challenges such as cost constraints and tight timelines.

Key takeaways will include practical lessons on delivering infrastructure that aligns with global sustainability frameworks, enhances passenger satisfaction, and drives measurable environmental and social outcomes.